Jimmie "Jim" Lee McKibben

On Tuesday February 17th, 2026, at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Jimmie “Jim” Lee McKibben, 89, of Mt. Zion, Illinois, passed from this life into the arms of his Savoir, Jesus Christ. A funeral service in his honor will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Reverend John Coin will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon, IL. Military Rites will be conducted by Mattoon VFW Post 4325. The visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Jim was born on December 5, 1936, in Mattoon, IL, to Otto and Maudelin (Shores) McKibben. He grew up in and around Lerna, IL, where he built the strong work ethic and steady character that would define his life. He graduated from Charleston High School in 1955. On April 11, 1957, Jim married the love of his life, Karon Kay Smith, at Fort Carson, Colorado one day before shipping out to Korea serving in the US Army. Their first year of marriage was largely spent writing love letters across the ocean, a testament to the deep devotion that carried them through a lifetime together. Jim dedicated nearly 40 years of service to USI in Tuscola before retiring. He served often on the International Brotherhood of Operating Engineers negotiating committee, advocating faithfully for his coworkers. He also served his community for many years as a member of the Arcola Volunteer Fire Department. A man of steadfast faith, Jim was a devoted member and deacon of First Southern Baptist Church in Mattoon, Illinois. His quiet strength, servant’s heart, and commitment to both church and community left a lasting mark on many lives. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karon Kay McKibben; his children: Rick and Penny (Stovall) McKibben, Keith and Kevin (Hill) McKibben-Hill, and Brenna (McKibben) and Kelly Vickers; his grandchildren: Justin McKibben and family, Josh McKibben and family, Courtney (Vickers) Stacey and family, Kaley (Vickers) Hoobler and family, and Wesley Vickers; and his great-grandchildren: Jethro Stacey, Parker McKibben, Kinsley McKibben, Brynn Stacey, Tatum McKibben, Bailey McKibben, and Jamie Hoobler. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers John, Gary Max, and David McKibben; and leaves behind his brother Raymond McKibben. Jim’s warm smile and cheerful attitude will be dearly missed by his wife and entire family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, service, and quiet strength will live on in the lives he touched. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchell-jerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

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Jimmie "Jim" Lee McKibben

December 5, 1936 - February 17, 2026